Mark Twain Library Gears Up for Labor Day Weekend Book Fair & Seeks Volunteers

The reasons people choose to donate time to work at the Library’s annual Book Fair over Labor Day weekend are as varied as the book titles available for sale. Some say they volunteer because they look forward to the comraderie that develops among the volunteers, while others say they like the thought of giving back to the community in a hands-on way.

Parents, however, often site the longest list of incentives. They say that volunteering at the Book Fair with their children imparts so many positive lessons that it’s something they wouldn’t dream of missing.

“Since we moved here to Redding, the Library is one of my family’s favorite places in town,” said Erin Singleton, who volunteers with her 12-year-old daughter Riley. “The Library has given so much to our family, so it’s really nice to have the chance to give something back.”

Volunteers are needed in the days before the Library’s 57^th Annual Book Fair, from August 29 to 31, during the Fair, from September 1 to 4, and after the Fair, on Tuesday, September 5. Sign up is available online, and volunteers have the option of choosing shifts that best fit their schedule, and they may also request to work with a teammate.

The Mark Twain Library’s signature fundraiser, which takes place over Labor Day weekend at the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road, features tens of thousands of items and requires hundreds of volunteers.

There are a variety of jobs available for volunteers: In addition to setting up and taking down the fair, volunteers work as cashiers, tally/baggers (a great opportunity for a two-person team), and merchandisers to organize and display the materials. Students middle school age and up are welcome to volunteer.

The first day of the Book Fair will be on Friday, September 1, and there will be a $20 “early buying” admission charge from 9 to 10 a.m. After 10:00 am, admission is free, with each individually priced book for sale as marked.  On Saturday, September 2, the Book Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and books will be sold as marked; Sunday, September 3, is half-price day.  On Labor Day Monday, September 4, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, customers may purchase a box of books for $10.00, or pay half price for individual books. Boxes will be provided.

Parking is free and refreshments will be available.  All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library.

For information, or to sign up to volunteer, go to www.marktwainlibrary.org, visit the Library or call 203 938-2545.

 The Mark Twain Library is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association.  It was founded in 1908 by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain himself – one of Redding’s most celebrated residents